More I think it, Peachey has to play 13. We’ve over the last 3 seasons tried playing Mbye and Reynolds as makeshift number 9’s and failed miserably. Also something Joel said earlier that we must be due for a diamond in the rough. Go with youth I say and give Rua a crack.
Couldn’t agree more re playing makeshift types like Mbye and Reynolds at 9.Disastrous..
I can’t recall in recent years any junior WTs player announcing himself the way Rua has.He hasn’t just politely knocked on the selection door,he’s banged on it,ripped it off its hinges and demanded his place at the table.
I know there is a counter argument in that he hasn’t played against men,as Garry mentioned in the podcast wash up,and that does have some validity,but Rua Ngatikaura is a natural.I’ll go with the old adage,if you’re good enough you’re old enough.With Jacob out,put him out there for a stint against the Storm.Could be a home grown cult figure for our team in the making.We need a bit of that to get the turnstiles clicking.How does this sound,Ruthless Rua!Go Ruthless!
I reckon add him to the 30 and you run him off the bench (as Sheens did with Farah). He can’t be worse than some of the guys we’ve had on the bench over the years that have contributed one or two runs and 5 metres!
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@helmesy I think he looked a lot better than Simpkin. It's a complete no brainer to upgrade him and play him in round 1.
@helmesy I think he looked a lot better than Simpkin. It's a complete no brainer to upgrade him and play him in round 1.
Especially now that he’ll be aiming up against the original block of Cheese.
So Simpkin turns 21 in October, not sure how old Rua is and we have Api coming next year...this doesn't bode well for Liddle.
This may sound a bit ruthless but I hope Liddle gets some game time at the back end of the year, shows he has something to offer and then we release him without taking a big hit. Api and Robbie help Simpkin and Rua, they play a hooker/lock swap role.
So Simpkin turns 21 in October, not sure how old Rua is and we have Api coming next year...this doesn't bode well for Liddle.
This may sound a bit ruthless but I hope Liddle gets some game time at the back end of the year, shows he has something to offer and then we release him without taking a big hit. Api and Robbie help Simpkin and Rua, they play a hooker/lock swap role.
Jacob should already be looking for opportunities elsewhere imo
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
So Simpkin turns 21 in October, not sure how old Rua is and we have Api coming next year...this doesn't bode well for Liddle.
This may sound a bit ruthless but I hope Liddle gets some game time at the back end of the year, shows he has something to offer and then we release him without taking a big hit. Api and Robbie help Simpkin and Rua, they play a hooker/lock swap role.
I agree it does sound a little ruthless but probably also pretty realistic,and I’m a big Jake Liddle fan,but the realities of the no.9 have shifted and evolved since rule changes and the further limiting of interchange.The positional requirement probably favours the more physically robust type able to absorb the traffic of huge bodies coming at you relentlessly.Having said that I still believe Jake has a lot to offer this squad in 2022,especially on the back of a full pre-season and the manner in which he’s dealt with adversity.I think there will be inevitable sharing of the role this year.
I'm a Liddle fan but it surprised me how Rua got us on the front foot when he came on!
He has massive energy, and along with smarts that's the other factor we've been lacking.
Smarts and energy. Smarts and energy!
Rua to top 30 asap.
I'm a Liddle fan but it surprised me how Rua got us on the front foot when he came on!
He has massive energy, and along with smarts that's the other factor we've been lacking.
Smarts and energy. Smarts and energy!
Rua to top 30 asap.
Before the Roosters,or some other cashed up suitor starts waving the cheque book!
I'm a Liddle fan but it surprised me how Rua got us on the front foot when he came on!
He has massive energy, and along with smarts that's the other factor we've been lacking.
Smarts and energy. Smarts and energy!
Rua to top 30 asap.
He's someone that's aggressive and tough but also has a heap of skill. The comparisons to Brandon Smith are bang on. I'll be pretty pumped if we upgrade him.
I'm a Liddle fan but it surprised me how Rua got us on the front foot when he came on!
He has massive energy, and along with smarts that's the other factor we've been lacking.
Smarts and energy. Smarts and energy!
Rua to top 30 asap.
He's someone that's aggressive and tough but also has a heap of skill. The comparisons to Brandon Smith are bang on. I'll be pretty pumped if we upgrade him.
Yep, surely Smith has had an influence on how Rua plays.
@garry I believe it’s been quashed because of covid…. So we have to get him in right now.
Team announcement next week will be interesting to say the least.
I voted no. He had 2 good trials. Put some consistant form together and we may talk but far to early.
I’m sure the coaching staff have a pretty decent take on where Rua’s progress is at and will act accordingly.I know it’s a tall order to debut him against the Storm but we’re a hooker down and he trialled brilliantly.
A calculated risk but,no risk no reward!
I'm not certain of his long term viability but his service was far superior to both Liddle and Simpkin. The crispness from the ground brought players on nicely - he looked more like a Union nine. I'm surprised hookers can get to first grade with ordinary passing games and Simpkin - and to a lesser extent Liddle - are fairly ordinary. Granted Simpkin's young and can improve, but Rua is well ahead on service.
Between Liddle and Simpkin I feel Liddle is more threatening and has demonstrated pace the others don't.
Rua could turn out to be a dud but on the brief glimpses we saw he didn't look out of place against decent opposition. I suspect Magde (or Tim or Robbie) might just tap him on the shoulder about hogging the ball near the line though.
